Citation

O'Neill T, Wakefield J. Arch. Dis. Child. Educ. Pract. Ed. 2017; 102(6): 298-303.

Affiliation

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/archdischild-2016-311449

PMID

28495667

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) young people face several challenges in their daily lives, including specific healthcare inequalities. Negative societal attitudes towards sexual and gender minorities, and the effects of regular experiences of bullying and homophobia/transphobia exacerbate the normal trials and tribulations of childhood and adolescence. Barriers to accessing healthy activities, such as sport, are created by perceived stigma and real-life experiences. Healthcare environments are by default heteronormative and contribute to the isolation and exclusion of LGBT+ young people. Paediatricians are well placed to act on these healthcare inequalities and to advocate for LGBT+ youth, through simple changes to individual practice as well as system-wide improvements.

© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescent Health; Gender; General Paediatrics; LGBT; Sexuality